Legal Intake Specialist and Advocate Hunter Campbell
Not only are all our advocates trauma-informed, but every single one is deeply passionate for our mission to empower survivors and protect kids. We hope this mini-interview gives a small window into some of the talented, empathetic and driven advocates that work at our firm.
What is your favorite thing about working at Jeff Anderson & Associates?
Hunter: I think the connection with not only your coworkers but survivors at the same time. I think what makes a really good work space is having good relationships with your coworkers, especially in this field…you deal with a lot of really hard things and hard subjects, so relying on each other and having a good support system is really important. Also, making connections with survivors is really important to make them feel comfortable so they can get through the process.
Why did you apply to work at Jeff Anderson & Associates?
Hunter: I applied to Jeff Anderson & Associates two summers ago. I interned at the Anoka County Attorney’s office. That was kind of my first look into the court system. It was in the victims’ services department. I loved it so much and I knew leaving that internship that I definitely wanted to do something related to advocacy or work with survivors.
What is your favorite thing about working with survivors?
Hunter: The connection you make with survivors is absolutely amazing, and I know listening to them means so much to in the long run, even if we cannot directly offer representation. That initial phone conversation can be so helpful for them because sometimes they’ve never told anyone [about the abuse]. Just having someone to sit there and listen is important. I think that’s the most respect you can give a survivor.
Have you ever been one of the first people a survivor disclosed their abuse to?
Hunter: There’s been multiple instances where I have been one of the first people they [survivors] have disclosed their abuse to. I think it’s a powerful moment for the advocate and the survivor. They feel comfortable finally coming forward. I think for some survivors it gives them the confidence to disclose to other people and their loved ones. I feel like having that initial conversation and talking about it is always going to be the hardest.
How have you grown as a person since working at Jeff Anderson & Associates?
Hunter: My confidence has grown so much since I started working here. I think it’s the best thing ever; you learn to be an advocate for others as well as yourself. I think that’s really important. When it comes to being an advocate, you need to have confidence in yourself and the work. I feel like mine has grown so much since I started working here.
Before I worked here I cared more for others than I did for myself. I thought I would be a great advocate because of that, but now I care for others AND I care for myself, and I think that makes me better at my job.
What is one of your favorite foods?
Hunter: I love seafood. I would say some of my favorite foods are shrimp Alfredo, shrimp tacos, and lobster rolls.
What is your favorite hobby?
Hunter: I love camping, which surprises a lot of people. I grew up camping, ever since I was six months old. I go camping with my family a lot. Every summer we go up to Grand Marais and camp.
What is something you are passionate about?
Hunter: The first thing that comes to mind is fashion. I love fashion. I think it’s so much fun finding cool work outfits. When I was young I thought I wanted to be a stylist.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?
I think hands-down Italy. I went to Italy my junior year of high school for two weeks and I loved it. That’s one place I always say I want to go back to. We landed in Milan, then we went to Rome, Florence, Assisi, and Venice. It was a school trip, so we had all these scheduled things. I think I want to go back now to do things on my own.
What is something you do to help alleviate anxiety or stress?
Hunter: I love reading. I have always been a reader. I took a break for awhile, but now I am back into it. Our team [Legal Intake Specialists] actually started a book club. I’ve always only read certain types of books, so it’s really fun reading new genres.
Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names?
Hunter: I do! I have a 12-year-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel named Duffy. I love her so much. I no longer live with her and I miss her so much.